MY CUSTODY ARRANGEMENT NEEDS AN OVERHAUL

My Custody Arrangement Needs An Overhaul

Posted By
Previte Nachlinger

Custody. The word carries many positive and negative feelings among
divorced parents. It is not uncommon for parents to continue fighting about their
children long after the divorce is in the rear view mirror. Unfortunately,
many forget that their children are watching the disputes and internalizing
the negativity. The non-custodial parent can feel as though he or she
is at the mercy of the custodial parent leading to anger and resentment.
Often, the parents need to simply grow up and learn how to work together
for the benefit of the children. However, there are times when the custody
and/or parenting time arrangement needs to be overhauled for any number
of reasons.

Modification of custody and parenting time is typically difficult. It is
unlikely the custodial parent is going to simply agree to a modification,
making it more likely that a judge will be called up to make a decision
through a mechanism called a motion. The parent seeking to modify custody
has the burden of establishing a change in circumstances that affects
the welfare of the child or children. It is not enough to allege the other
parent is not cooperating; you must establish to a judge that the lack
of cooperation or some other circumstance is adversely impacting the child
or children making a change in custody necessary.

The hallmark of custody and parenting time determinations is what is in
the best interest of the child. In short, this means that the needs of
the parents are irrelevant and the court is singularly focused on what
arrangement is best for the child. When you seek to modify custody, you
run up against an arrangement that was previously found to be in the best
interest of the child or children. For this reason, the hurdle to convince
a judge that there is a sufficient change in circumstances such that custody
and/or parenting time needs to be reopened is quite high.

Making it even more difficult is that once you have made a showing of changed
circumstances, the court must ordinarily schedule a plenary hearing (i.e.,
a mini-Trial) to determine if a change to custody or parenting time is
in the best interest of the child. There might be psychologist involvement
and countless thousands of dollars in legal fees, only to get to an uncertain
resolution. We were reminded by an appellate case recently that a judge’s
decision on modification of custody is subject to reversal if there are
material facts in dispute and a hearing is not held.

You can modify custody and parenting time. However, as discussed in today’s
blog, the burden is high. Judges do not like to reopen custody and parenting
time. You need to ensure the change in circumstances you have will lead
to a good result for you, otherwise you are simply flushing good money
down the drain. We are here to help analyze your case and give you an
honest assessment of the chances you can make a showing of a change in
circumstances. We are not going to tell you what you want to here; we
are going to tell you what you need to know.